wabash national corp (WNC) Key Developments

Wabash National Corporation Introduces Three New Solutions for Trailer Aerodynamics

Feb 24 15

Wabash National Corporation has introduced three new solutions reportedly designed to improve trailer aerodynamics and fuel economy. The new trailer drag reduction system and aerodynamic tail device, when used together, provide over 9% in fuel economy improvement (certified by an independent, third-party in accordance with SAE J1252 Wind Tunnel Test). Together, the devices are verified as an EPA SmartWay Elite aerodynamic device combination, a new category for the SmartWay program that recognizes devices providing the higher levels of fuel savings. In addition, the company introduced a new lightweight trailer side skirt product. The Ventix DRS drag reduction system utilizes a patent-pending segmented design to manage air flow across the entire length of the trailer and eliminate drag points. Each of the system's aero panels are engineered and mounted to direct airflow under and around the trailer, maximizing aerodynamic performance. In SAE J1252 Wind Tunnel Test comparisons, the Ventix DRS provides 50% more fuel savings than trailer side skirts when used as a stand-alone device. The aerodynamic tail device, named the AeroFin, manages airflow across the rear of the trailer to reduce aerodynamic drag. The compact device deploys and retracts automatically with swing door operation, requiring no additional interaction from the driver and does not interfere with trailer loading and unloading. Building on the fleet-proven success of its DuraPlate AeroSkirt introduced in 2009, Wabash National also introduced its commercially available AeroSkirt CX - a trailer side skirt that, like its predecessor, provides up to 6.0% in fuel economy improvement (SAE J1321-Type II Track Test) in a design that weighs approximately 25% less.

Wabash National Corporation introduced three new solutions designed to significantly improve trailer aerodynamics and fuel economy at ATA's Technology and Maintenance Council Exposition in Nashville, Tenn. The company's exhibit, located in booth #856, features a new trailer drag reduction system and aerodynamic tail device that, when used together, provide over 7% in fuel economy improvement (certified by an independent, third-party in accordance with SAE J1252 Wind Tunnel Test). Together, the devices are verified as an EPA SmartWay Elite aerodynamic device combination, a new category for the SmartWay program that recognizes devices providing the levels of fuel savings. In addition, the company introduced a new lightweight trailer side skirt product. The Ventix DRS™ drag reduction system utilizes a patent-pending segmented design to manage air flow across the entire length of the trailer and eliminate drag points. Each of the system's aero panels are engineered and mounted to direct airflow under and around the trailer, maximizing aerodynamic performance. In SAE J1252 Wind Tunnel Test comparisons, the Ventix DRS provides 50% more fuel savings than trailer side skirts when used as a stand-alone device. The aerodynamic tail device, named the AeroFin™, manages airflow across the rear of the trailer to reduce aerodynamic drag. The compact device deploys and retracts automatically with swing door operation, requiring no additional interaction from the driver and does not interfere with trailer loading and unloading. Building on the fleet-proven success of its DuraPlate AeroSkirt® introduced in 2009, Wabash National also introduced its commercially available AeroSkirt CX™ – a trailer side skirt that, like its predecessor, provides up to 6.0% in fuel economy improvement (SAE J1321-Type II Track Test) in a design that weighs approximately 25% less.

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